In one’s life there are levels in the pursuit of study. In the lowest level, a person studies but nothing comes of it, and they feel that both they and others are unskillful. In the middle level they are aware of their own insufficiencies and can also see the insufficiencies of others. In a higher level they have pride concerning their own ability, rejoice in praise from others, and lament the lack of ability in their fellows. In the highest level a person has the look of knowing nothing.

There is one transcending level, and this is the most excellent of all. This person is aware of the endlessness of entering deeply into a certain Way and never thinks of themselves as having finished. They truly know their own insufficiencies and never in their whole life think that they have succeeded. They have no thoughts of pride but with self-abasement know the Way to the end.

Throughout your life advance daily, becoming more skillful than yesterday, more skillful than today. This is never-ending.